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Ascending the Hill of the Lord - by Karen Pourbabaee “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place?” Psalm 24:3 NAS Ancient peoples considered mountains or hills as holy places. Mt. Sinai and Mt. Zion were specially revered by the Hebrews as places of God’s revelation or abode. The hill of the Lord is the place of God’s presence, a place of rest, revelation, and spiritual blessing. Sometimes God calls us to leave the place where we are and aspire to that higher place where we may hear His voice, offer sacrifice, and return anew. A hill of course is a place we must ascend to. It’s not an easy way. It requires some uphill labor. Psalm 24:4 shares the qualities required: “He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” Clean hands speak of outward life, our actions. A pure heart refers to inward life, our thoughts and motives. Psalm 24:4 continues, “Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood...” This points to the importance of our words and character qualities of being trustworthy and honest Only Jesus had clean hands and a pure heart. He ascended the hill at Calvary because He was worthy… as THE pure unblemished lamb. Do you know the way to God’s holy hill? Jesus has answered, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6) He’s gone before you, His blood spilt along Calvary’s hillside to lead you upward. Follow Jesus, leaving the place where you are and aspiring to that higher place where the Father awaits and makes all things new. A FaithWriters member since 2009, Karen has published award-winning short stories and devotionals in various venues. Contact
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